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Joel Griffith is a public servant, technology executive, entrepreneur, and community leader from Trenton, New Jersey. After years working across government and the private sector, Joel returned home with a clear focus: helping Trenton grow stronger, safer, and more economically vibrant.His career has given him firsthand experience with how cities manage budgets, partner with the private sector, and deliver results, and he believes Trenton deserves leadership with that same practical know-how.

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Join The Movement To Build A Better Trenton

For Trenton City Council At-Large

From revitalizing our downtown to supporting small businesses and improving city services, this campaign is about people coming together to build a stronger Trenton. Sign up to be part of the work ahead.

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Since returning to Trenton, Joel has remained deeply engaged in the community—modernizing the Trenton Municipal Democratic Committee’s digital presence, organizing volunteer canvassing efforts, and working with neighborhood groups across the city.

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These are some of the top priorities Joel's campaign is focused on:

Always Fighting For Trenton

Lowering Property Taxes

Economic Development

Enhancing Public Safety

Infrastructure &amp; Services

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Earlier in his career, Joel worked in public service at the federal and local levels. In Washington, D.C., he served U.S. Senator Roland Burris and later Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, where he supported legislative operations, constituent services, and policy work—experience that shaped his understanding of how government can function effectively for communities.

Professionally, Joel brings experience across technology, public service, and economic development. He spent more than a decade working in Big Tech at companies including LinkedIn, Snapchat, Amazon, and TikTok, partnering with Fortune 500 companies on growth, digital strategy, and complex business challenges.

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In addition to his public service work, Joel is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Bot-It, an AI-driven automation platform designed to simplify online tasks. In 2023, Joel appeared on Shark Tank, where he received an investment offer from Mark Cuban and Michael Rubin.

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<h3>For Trenton...</h3>

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In New Jersey, Joel worked for Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, served as Digital Director for Eric Jackson’s campaign for Mayor of Trenton, and later became Campaign Manager for Trenton City Councilman Duncan Harrison. These roles kept him closely connected to Trenton’s neighborhoods and gave him a practical understanding of the issues residents raise every day.

Joel is a graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in political science. He is the son of Rev. Wayne Griffith, former pastor of The Lighthouse in Trenton, and Joanne Griffith.He and his wife, Jasmine, are raising their daughter, Ella, in Trenton. Everything Joel does—as a leader, neighbor, and father—is rooted in his commitment to building a city where Trenton families can thrive.

Joel is a husband, father, and community-minded leader who believes Trenton’s future depends on leadership that listens, shows up, and delivers results. He believes real leadership means being visible in the community, understanding people’s concerns firsthand, and taking action to solve problems.

Joel also served at the New York City Department of Small Business Services in the Neighborhood Development Division under Mayor Michael Bloomberg.As a Business Improvement Manager, he worked directly with Business Improvement Districts across New York City, supporting public-private partnerships focused on strengthening neighborhood commercial corridors.His work included monitoring operating budgets, reviewing financial reports, ensuring compliance with city funding requirements, and coordinating with non-profit and business leaders to make sure public dollars were being used effectively.

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Building a stronger Trenton requires shared vision. I’m committed to bringing people together to enhance public safety, drive economic growth that protects affordability, and strengthen our water infrastructure to secure the future of Trenton Water Works. Below is my roadmap for the work ahead.

Joel's Campaign Priorities

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Trenton is ready for a comeback, and it starts with leadership that listens, shows up, and builds real opportunities for our residents and businesses. As your councilman, I will focus on strengthening our neighborhoods, growing our local economy, and making Trenton a city where we all can thrive.

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Every year, Trenton families fall behind on their property taxes. Seniors on fixed incomes, working households hit by a medical bill or a lost job, people who have spent decades building their lives in this city are not trying to avoid their obligations, they’re struggling to meet them. And right now, New Jersey law offers delinquent homeowners almost no way out.

Trenton homeowners who fall behind on property taxes deserve a monthly payment plan.

Trenton carries the highest property tax rate in Mercer County. This impacts homeowners, renters, and small businesses alike, making it harder for families to stay and harder for the city to attract new investment. A significant part of the problem is structural: as the hub of state government, Trenton hosts a large amount of state-owned, tax-exempt properties, including office buildings, parking facilities, and infrastructure that serves residents across New Jersey.While these assets benefit the state as a whole, the fiscal impact falls locally and contributes directly to Trenton's elevated tax rate. Closing this gap requires a stronger partnership between Trenton and the State of New Jersey, and our new governor has a real opportunity to help build it.<h4>My Plan for Trenton</h4>As your Councilman, I will work with municipal and state leaders on three fronts.First, I will urge Governor Sherrill to support targeted state tax incentives that encourage businesses to locate in Trenton — particularly downtown and near transit. These incentives could help offset the city's tax burden, attract jobs, and grow long-term revenue without shifting additional costs onto residents.Second, I will advocate for a coordinated approach to activating underutilized state-owned land. Surface parking lots and outdated office space downtown and along the waterfront are real opportunities for housing, retail, and modern workspaces. Responsible redevelopment of these sites would strengthen Trenton's core, support small businesses, and expand the local tax base.Third, I will work with state and local partners to modernize Trenton's fiscal relationship with New Jersey — pursuing a more flexible framework that includes stronger capital city aid and gives Trenton greater ability to plan and invest in its own future.Reducing Trenton's tax burden won't happen overnight, but Trenton deserves a fair shot at growth and long-term stability. A stronger partnership with the state is how we get there.

Trenton carries the highest property taxe rate in Mercer County. This impacts homeowners, renters, and small businesses alike — making it harder for families to stay and harder for the city to attract new investment.

Lowering Property Taxes

Joel Griffith joined the Trenton political fray with a campaign kickoff at Razor Sharp Barber Shop on Passaic St. Griffith cited his experience in public service, government operations,&nbsp;and community engagement as first-hand experiences that prepared him for service to the city.

Trenton businessman Joel Griffith enters City Council At-Large contest.

Trenton is strongest when residents, community organizations, and law enforcement work together toward the same goal: safe neighborhoods and a higher quality of life for everyone. Improving public safety requires a balanced approach that supports our police officers while also strengthening trust and collaboration across the community.Public safety is not a one-size-fits-all challenge. Effective strategies combine prevention, accountability, and modern policing. Cities across the country, including Newark, Baltimore, and Cleveland, have demonstrated that when violence is addressed as both a public safety and public health issue, meaningful and lasting reductions in crime are possible.<h4>The Newark Model: Investing in People</h4>Newark is a national example of what thoughtful, community-centered public safety can achieve. Since 2000, Newark has reduced violent crime by recognizing that residents play an essential role in keeping neighborhoods safe.Programs such as Newark’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery rely on trusted community members to help mediate conflicts before they escalate. Trenton can benefit from empowering similar credible messengers who understand local dynamics and can intervene early.Newark has also expanded community-led crisis response programs that involve mental health professionals responding to behavioral health emergencies when appropriate. This approach ensures residents receive the right support while allowing police officers to focus on preventing and solving serious crimes. <h4>My Plan for Trenton</h4>As your Councilman, I will work collaboratively with residents, law enforcement, and community partners to strengthen public safety across Trenton. I will prioritize clean and well-maintained neighborhoods by advancing place-based prevention strategies. Improving street lighting, addressing vacant lots, and revitalizing neglected spaces has been shown to significantly reduce gun violence while improving neighborhood pride. I will also work to expand the City-Stat public safety forum - a monthly, in-person meeting where residents can share concerns directly with department leaders. This will promote transparency, responsiveness, and collaboration across every neighborhood.

My approach to public safety balances effective enforcement with proactive community investment. By supporting community policing initiatives and expanding programs for our youth, we can address the root causes of crime while ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to keep Trenton safe, block by block.

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Enhancing Public Safety

Trenton Water Works (TWW) has long been a source of tension between Trenton and the neighboring communities it serves. Let me be clear: I will not support any proposal that removes Trenton from the driver's seat at Trenton Water Works.Today, the situation has reached a critical point. Years of lawsuits, disputes over governance, and the looming threat of state intervention have made one thing clear: doing nothing is not an option.Under our form of government, it is the Mayor's responsibility to develop and propose a path forward for TWW. The City Council's role is to provide oversight, ask hard questions, and ultimately decide whether any proposal protects the interests of Trenton residents.As your Councilman, my responsibility is to protect Trenton's residents and Trenton's assets. I will not support any proposal that results in Trenton losing ownership or control of Trenton Water Works. TWW is one of the city's most valuable public assets, and Trenton must remain in the driver's seat when it comes to decisions about its future.

Protecting and modernizing Trenton Water Works is vital to our city's long-term health and independence. I will advocate for the critical infrastructure investments needed to secure our water system, ensuring clean, safe, and affordable water for every household. We must act now to strengthen this essential public asset and protect it for future generations of Trentonians.

Trenton Water Works

Trenton carries the highest property tax rate in Mercer County. This impacts homeowners, renters, and small businesses alike — making it harder for families to stay and harder for the city to attract new investment. A significant part of the problem is structural: as the hub of state government, Trenton hosts a large amount of state-owned, tax-exempt property, including office buildings, parking facilities, and infrastructure that serves residents across New Jersey. While these assets benefit the state as a whole, the fiscal impact falls locally and contributes directly to Trenton's elevated tax rate.Closing this gap requires a stronger partnership between Trenton and the State of New Jersey — and our new governor has a real opportunity to help build it.<h4>My Plan for Trenton</h4>As your Councilman, I will work with municipal and state leaders on three fronts. First, I will urge Governor Sherrill to support targeted state tax incentives that encourage businesses to locate in Trenton — particularly downtown and near transit. These incentives could help offset the city's tax burden, attract jobs, and grow long-term revenue without shifting additional costs onto residents.Second, I will advocate for a coordinated approach to activating underutilized state-owned land. Surface parking lots and outdated office space downtown and along the waterfront are real opportunities for housing, retail, and modern workspaces. Responsible redevelopment of these sites would strengthen Trenton's core, support small businesses, and expand the local tax base.Third, I will work with state and local partners to modernize Trenton's fiscal relationship with New Jersey — pursuing a more flexible framework that includes stronger capital city aid and gives Trenton greater ability to plan and invest in its own future.Reducing Trenton's tax burden won't happen overnight, but Trenton deserves a fair shot at growth and long-term stability. A stronger partnership with the state is how we get there.

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Lower Trenton Property Taxes

Every year, Trenton families fall behind on their property taxes. Seniors on fixed incomes, working households hit by a medical bill or a lost job, people who have spent decades building their lives in this city are not trying to avoid their obligations, they’re struggling to meet them. And right now, New Jersey law offers delinquent homeowners almost no way out.

The City of Trenton carries the highest property tax rate in Mercer County. This severely impacts Trenton homeowners, renters, and small businesses, making it harder for families to stay and even harder for the city to attract new investment.

Trenton has the highest tax rate in Mercer County — our new governor could help change that!

I believe that Trenton’s future is brightest when our government is as dynamic and innovative as the residents it serves. While the dedication of those who serve our city is vital, I believe that a healthy democracy thrives on a steady flow of new ideas and energy. By introducing three-term limits (12 years) for the Mayor and City Council, we can ensure that City Hall remains a place of constant renewal, where new perspectives from every neighborhood have a seat at the table.Term limits create a natural path for the next generation of leaders to step forward, ensuring that our city leadership consistently reflects the evolving needs and diversity of Trenton. It encourages all of us in public office to work with a sense of urgency, focusing every day on delivering results for our families, our businesses, and our future.

I will champion 12-year term limits for Mayor and Council to ensure City Hall stays focused on you, not careers.

Municipal Term Limits

&nbsp;Joel Griffith announced Saturday that he is running for Trenton City Council At-Large, citing his experience in public service, government operations, and community engagement as preparation to serve the city.&nbsp;Griffith said he is entering the race to bring greater accountability, transparency, and follow-through to city government.&nbsp;

Joel Griffith Announces Run for Trenton City Council At-Large.

Trenton has experienced a steady economic decline over the years due to a range of structural and policy challenges. Despite this history, Trenton can rebound in the same way we've seen progress in cities like Newark and Camden. Achieving that recovery will require meaningful investment and stronger partnerships with state and county governments.One of the biggest obstacles facing Trenton is the amount of land that doesn't generate property tax revenue. About one-third of the city’s eight square miles is occupied by state-owned buildings and parking lots. When you include the presence of county-owned facilities, along with federal buildings, hospitals, and churches, the numbers become even more concerning.Today, an estimated 50 to 57 percent of all land in Trenton is tax-exempt.Much of this land is concentrated in downtown Trenton and along the waterfront, some of the city’s most valuable and strategically important areas. Because this land cannot be developed for private, tax-paying use, it severely limits Trenton’s tax base and long-term growth. <h4>My Plan For Trenton</h4>As your Councilman, I will work closely with city, county, and state leaders to pursue real tax relief for Trentonians and advocate for policies that encourage responsible development. I will also advocate to Governor Sherrill for state tax incentives for private institutions to establish a presence in Trenton. Trenton deserves a fair shot at growth, investment, and long-term economic stability, but we can’t do it on our own without investment from state government.

My plan focuses on attracting sustainable investment and supporting our local entrepreneurs to create high-quality jobs right here in our city. I am committed to driving revitalization that boosts our local economy while protecting housing affordability, ensuring that as Trenton grows, our long-time residents are not left behind.

I believe a city is only as strong as the services it provides. Residents should be able to rely on basics. Trash should be picked up on time, streetlights should be fixed when they go out, etc. People should not have to guess whether city services will show up or follow through.My focus is on getting the basics right. When city services work the way they're suppose to, neighborhoods feel safer, cleaner, and more stable.<h4>My Role as Your Watchdog</h4>The Mayor manages the day-to-day operations of the city. The City Council is responsible for oversight and accountability. As your Councilman I will use the tools of the office, especially the budget and legislative oversight, to make sure tax dollars are being spent effectively.I will push for a "back-to-basics" budget that prioritizes core services like sanitation, street maintenance, and infrastructure repair. If services fall short, I will raise concerns publicly and work with city departments to correct them. My goal is to be a consistent advocate for residents and to make sure City Hall is responsive to the people it serves.

From reliable trash collection to fixing our streetlights and potholes, I will prioritize the basic services that impact your daily quality of life. As your Councilman, I will serve as your watchdog in City Hall—using budget oversight to ensure your tax dollars are spent effectively and holding city departments accountable for the results they deliver.

Government Services

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